Welcome the Atlanta Thrashers and their merry band of former Leafs Nik Antropov and Pavel Kubina to town tonight. Another winnable match-up for the Buds who look to continue their recent hot streak at home at the ACC.

Coming off a tough schedule last week that saw the Leafs gain 5 of a possible 8 points with OT wins against the Thrashers and New York Rangers and a shootout loss to defending Cup champs Pittsburgh Penguins. We’ll gloss over the egg laying at home Tuesday against the Florida Panthers…

Buzzers Grow ‘em BIG:

Welcome to the mix tonight rookie NCAA signee Brayden Irwin – fresh off four years at the University of Vermont…coincidentally the alma mater of current Leaf Viktor Stalberg. Irwin brings some serious size to the table – the 23 year old Toronto native, and form St. Mike’s Buzzer, tips the scale at an impressive 215 lbs. distributed over a 6’5” frame. In 144 NCAA games Irwin brings a little grit to the table, having amassed 194 PIM’s in his time at school. Couple with an impressive senior season where he led the team in scoring with 15 goals and 19 assists. A Brian Burke type player if there ever was one.

***UPDATED: Irwin will not be in the lineup tonight as originally reported, rather making his debut later this week or Saturday for the blue and white***

Brian Burke continues his trend of signing ‘veteran’ (if 23 is considered old) un-signed college UFA’s in hopes of amassing some prospects in absence of high end draft picks. Not the worst philosophy in the world when you consider all but the highest drafted 18 year olds are capable of making an impact at the pro-level right out of junior.

7:00PM puck drop at the ACC – Rogers Sportsnet or AM640 for the calls.

2 Comments

In response to “Leafs Game Night – ATL Thrashers in Town…”

Finally the Leafs are getting some timely saves in games when they need them! Man, Stalberg almost put that gimme into the corner instead of back of the net; interesting tidbit from tonights broadcast – 6’5″ Brayden Irwin was a former roommate of Viktor Stalberg in Vermont (so that’s 3 players on the roster by my count Vik’s lived with – Irwin, Christian Hanson and Tyler Bozak)